The proposal sponsored by Republican Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg is getting its first hearing in a House committee Thursday. House Bill 1046 would require applicants of the Colorado Works Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to pay for and pass a drug test before receiving assistance. People who passed the drug test would be reimbursed for the cost.

Utah is considering a similar proposal.

Applicants who fail the test would be ineligible for benefits for one year.